Salman Khan urges Sonam Wangchuk to end hunger strike; offers 'food from home' and asks students to go back to 'parents'

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has once again spoken about the ongoing protests over the alleged examination paper leak, this time urging social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. In a fresh social media post, Salman also appealed to students protesting in Delhi to return home, saying he believes the government will take strict action against those responsible.

The actor's latest statement came a day after he publicly supported students demanding accountability over the alleged paper leak while asking that their movement should not become political. Salman is among several film personalities, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Hrithik Roshan, Varun Dhawan and Bhumi Pednekar, who have reacted to the issue.

Salman Khan asks Sonam Wangchuk to end his fast

Sharing a note on social media on Thursday, Salman addressed Sonam Wangchuk directly and requested him not to continue his indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk has been fasting in support of students seeking reforms in the education system and accountability over the alleged paper leak.


Salman wrote, "Sonam, it's done, bro. Don't extend this. Keep the spirit for another day if there be a need, which I doubt, n eat something. If u want, will send u food from home (sic)."

Wangchuk, known for his work in education and social activism, has been on a hunger strike since late June after joining the student movement at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He has said he would consider ending the fast if the government assured that peaceful protesters would not face punitive action.

Appeals to students to return home

In the same post, Salman also urged students to put their safety first and head back to their families. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance on the issue, the actor expressed confidence that those responsible for the alleged leak would face action.

He wrote, "The students are at top priority, educationally n security-wise, so they need not worry and have their parents worried for them. The Honorable Prime Minister has tweeted, and I am sure that he will take strict action against all those people who are responsible for this leak. So students, plz go back to your parents n homes (sic)."

His earlier message backed the students' cause

This is Salman's second statement on the issue. On Wednesday, he supported the students' protest and described the alleged paper leak as a serious concern. He also expressed sadness over reports of violence during what he said had begun as a peaceful movement.

In his post, Salman wrote, "It was such a peaceful movement, feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt. Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know n see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them. I truly appreciate the stand they have taken, showing dedication, sincerity, and keenness to study hard n make their future and a greater, educated India. This andolan, this protest, is the right way to go abt it, n the students have done this peacefully. So courageous and brave. Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud (sic)."

He also urged that the movement should remain focused on education rather than politics, writing, "This issue is between the students and the educational system, it should not be hijacked politically, the credit should only go to the students of our country, and I am sure the government will also give them all the support n make it a stronger educational system. It's a win-win situation. Hoping n praying for a positive decision. God bless all of you who wanna be educated. Education should be the next trend and fashion, and should get trendier n more fashionable yr by yr, itna k bahar se log come to India to study and India becomes an educational hub (sic)."